Public Buses Get Boost With Federal Stimulus Funds

Georgia is getting receive $12 million in federal stimulus money to improve the state’s public busses.

The money will go to five localities across the state: the cities of Athens, Hinesville, and Rome, and Hall and Macon-Bibb counties.

The $12 million will go towards maintaining and improving the bus systems in those areas.

This will benefit the local economy, says Ketrina Nelson, spokesperson for the federal transit administration.

“This money will help to put Georgians back to work, create jobs, and help to stimulate the economy.”

Nelson could not say how many jobs would be created as a result of the money.

Meanwhile, metro Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA received $7 million in stimulus funds last month. Also, the Georgia Department of Transportation says it will apply for grants for rail projects, including a commuter train between Atlanta and Athens.